The Outsiders “Psychology is the endlessly fascinating science of the human mind and behavior” (Gillespie 1). Psychological criticism is used to improve knowledge of literature by analyzing the behaviors and motivations of dynamic characters through different theories. Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is one of many theories. This concept has five phases: physiological needs, safety needs, belonging and love needs, esteem needs and self-realization. The phases are arranged in a triangle, with basic needs at the bottom. Maslow wanted to understand what motivates people and their actions, and this is shown through his pyramid. First, people are motivated to meet their basic survival needs, including food and water. Once these are satisfied, they move on to being motivated by the next stage, such as esteem or belonging needs. Eventually, when all their needs are satisfied, they can move on to the self-actualization phase. In SE Hinton's The Outsiders, Johnny Cade's motivations and actions, over time, can be classified into all the different phases of Maslow's theory. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The needs for security and love are closely related for Johnny. First, he achieved his safety needs. “His father always hit him and his mother ignored him… He would have run away a million times if we hadn't been there.” Even though he didn't feel safe at home, he felt safe with the gang. Additionally, his needs for love and belonging were met along with his physical needs. “If it weren't for the gang, Johnny would never have known what love and affection are” (14). The other greasers gave him a sense of belonging, especially considering his tough life at home. They loved and cared for him even if his parents didn't. This also caused her timid and timid actions at the time as she struggled with her safety, love and belonging at home. He was motivated to achieve a feeling of belonging or security, and once he got there, his motivations influenced his subsequent actions. As Johnny began to move beyond basic needs, he eventually reached the esteem and self-actualization needs stages. After saving the children from the burning church, he was praised and respected. “Their lives are worth more than mine, they have more to live for. Some of their parents stopped by to thank me and I knew it was worth it.” He knew that putting his life on the line for them was the right choice to make, and he was satisfied with it. He had earned the respect of others, even though he was a greaser. After satisfying his esteem needs, he reached the self-realization stage before death. He said to Pony, “Stay golden, Ponyboy. Stay gold..." . He fulfilled his life and knew that saving the children was worth dying for. He also understood the meaning of the poem and how it related to him and Pony's life. “You are golden when you are a child, like green. When you're a child everything is new, dawn. It's precisely when you get used to everything that it's day." He wanted to tell Ponyboy to stay young and innocent and not make bad choices in life. Johnny went through all the stages, because once his physical needs were satisfied, he moved on to satisfying his emotional and psychological needs. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Personalize Essay In conclusion, Johnny's actions over time can be classified into the five stages of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. He was motivated to.